SHARE: 5 ways to manage stress in the workplace.

So, here’s a fact that will come as a surprise to absolutely nobody: 67% of Australians experience stress in regard to work/life balance, making mistakes at work, and other work-related stress triggers.

It’s okay, anonymous survey-taking stress-heads, I feel you. And I’m right there with you.

Working online is a fairly unique environment, and it can also be quite a stressful one. With one click of the button, you can post a Facebook status update that’s only half-written (horror!). Every strong opinion piece you write is there for the world to see and criticise (egads!). And don’t even get me started on trolls (sigh).

But every workplace has its own stresses: from hospitality, to teaching, to managing, to administration. The real kicker is that excessive stress can actually decrease your productivity and efficiency – which in turn is likely to make you even more stressed.

Just as an FYI, you should know that this post is sponsored by Blackmores. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100% authentic and written in their own words.

Here’s 5 ways you can manage stress in the workplace, and make your life a little easier:

1. Recognise the signs of stress

You can’t deal with a problem if you don’t even know it happening. Watch out for feeling anxious and irritable when you’re in the office – particularly if these emotions are starting to negatively impact upon your work. You might also experience physical symptoms like an upset stomach or headaches.

2. Learn how to manage your time

This is an obvious one, but taking a good hard look at your time management techniques might end up making a huge difference. Even a simple change like switching the order you do certain tasks in the morning can work wonders and increase productivity. Remember not to over-commit yourself (learn how to say ‘no’!) and try to take regular breaks throughout the day.

3. Look after yourself

If you’re taking care of your mental and physical health in a general sense, you will often begin to see improvements in other areas of your life as well. You’ll feel happier, healthier and – yes – less stressed. Regular exercise, eating well, and drinking in moderation can all help manage stress. I recommend taking B vitamins: they help support adrenal function, and help you maintain energy levels. (I take B vitamins to help with energy levels throughout the day. Curse my weak vegetarian body.)

4. Get some sleep

One of the most important ways you can manage stress, is by making sure you’re getting a good night’s sleep. You will be refreshed and more able to tackle problems the next day. Ironically, when you’re stressed it’s harder to get to sleep – which will make you more stressed the next day. If you’re having trouble sleeping at night avoid caffeine, switch off (that means mentally, and switching off computer screens) a few hours before bed, and consider taking a herbal supplement that will help you sleep.

5. Communicate with those around you

How will your boss know not to overload you with any more work, unless they already know that you’re floundering? How will your partner know to pick up some slack around the home, unless you tell them you’re going to be working late nights? How will your friends know you need a friendly text message throughout the day, unless they know you’re freaking out? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with relying on the people around you, and reaching out for support can make a huge difference to how stressed out you feel. Give it a go.

Hopefully some of these tips make your life a little easier – and if you’re feeling stressed out and you’re not even sure why, think about taking the Blackmores Stress Quiz. The questions are specific enough to help pinpoint what may be driving you around the bend (in my case it was indeed work – no surprises there).

And if it gets really bad… here’s a gallery of cute puppies to look at.

How do you deal with workplace stress?

With stress being a health and wellbeing concern for many Australians, Blackmores has stepped in to help by developing a Stress Quiz at blackmores.com.au/stress enabling you to complete a personal stress assessment and see how your stress levels compare to the rest of Australia. On completion of the quiz you will then be directed to relevant tips and resources on how to manage stress and help find balance in your life. Blackmores Naturopaths are also on hand for personalised advice via our free Advisory Service 1800 803 760.

Blackmores offers a range of products to assist Australians in finding balance including – Blackmores Executive B Stress Formula, Blackmores Sleep Sound Formula & Blackmores Digestive Bio Balance and Blackmores Sustained Release Multi + Antioxidants

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Blackmores Stress Research, Based on a nationally representative sample of 1,524 Australians aged 18+ carried out by TDE research, October 2013.